MANILA, Philippines ? ?Noooo!? moaned a legion of girls-next-door when news reports that comic book icon Archie Andrews finally proposed to Veronica Lodge first came out. The idea that Archie finally chose between the two girls after 68 years (Archie first came out in 1941, and Betty and Veronica have been fighting over him since then) was inconceivable. But for him to pick the flighty, spoiled brunette over the wholesome, talented blonde? Unbelievable.

The story will be fleshed out in the 600th issue of the Archie comic book series in September as part of a six-book series called ?The Proposal-Archie Marries Veronica.? A sneak peek of the cover was released to the public a couple of weeks ago, depicting Archie kneeling before Veronica with a ring. (Her speech balloon shows an emphatic ?Yes!? as a sobbing Betty lurks in the background along with a shell-shocked Jughead).

Violent reactions from bloggers-some from hardcore Archie fans, others from people who hadn?t read the series since high school-immediately followed the news. The news that the perpetually 17-year-old teenager from Riverdale Heights was finally going to grow up and get married didn?t seem to register; oh no, the issue was about Betty and Veronica.

Loyalties surfaced as people began either criticizing or defending Archie?s decision to overlook Betty and propose to Veronica. The story was discussed passionately on blogs and on Twitter as Netizens jokingly applied the Archie story to real life. ("Archie?s a gold-digger,? a friend told me on Twitter. Another said, ?I?m surprised Ronnie said yes. But I think Archie will change his mind when they go through the prenup arrangements.?)

When clothing brand Kamiseta launched its Betty and Veronica line a couple of years ago, the tagline of the campaign was, ?Are you a Betty, or a Veronica?? It capitalized on the two opposing personalities so girls could pick one to identify with, and to literally wear their personalities on their sleeves. The latest development in the Archie campaign did this, as well.

?It?s always been Veronica!? another friend wailed on Twitter. ?Betty?s just too nice. Archie needs a challenge! Oh God, am I talking about men in general? I?m a Betty!?

On the other hand, others believed that Archie marrying Veronica was actually good news?after the initial heartbreak?for Betty. ?It?s not a loss, Betty can do so much better,? was another common reaction from bloggers.

And there were the ones (mostly guys) who thought that Archie was right on. When the issue first came out, I posted a status message on Facebook, asking, ?What makes a guy pick someone like Veronica over someone like Betty??

The answers from guys were varied and hilarious. ?Mas hot kasi si Veronica! [Veronica is hotter!]? someone piped up. Another said, ?Because the economy?s bad and Archie?s a scrub (a freeloader). Go, Reggie Mantle!? And another? ?Because Veronica?s like Paris Hilton and would likely allow Paris Hilton-ish stuff.

The girls also revealed a hint of bitterness in their answers. ?Most of the guys are immature,? said one. ?Maybe that?s the reason why they commonly choose the physically attractive girl over the one that is really for keeps.? Another agreed, adding, ?Most guys are masochists. They like to be treated badly, but don?t know it. That?s why nice girls always finish last.? And there was one who simply stated, ?Because Betty?s a doormat!?

But whatever people say about Archie and his girls, there?s no doubt that the proposal sparked newfound interest in the aging Archie comics series, which was losing its fan base to more sophisticated video games and darker comic books.

The irony of the whole situation is that the frenzied Betty vs. Veronica debate might actually be useless, as the creators of Archie and co. will probably retain the status quo. ?The Proposal-Archie Marries Veronica? is part one of three books dedicated to Veronica and Archie, while the remaining three books in the six-part series will reportedly be spent on Betty and Archie. This means that Betty will eventually have her turn in the wedding hotseat, which will allow the blue-eyed blonde?s wildest dreams to finally come true.

And no, it doesn?t mean that the Riverdale gang will finally grow up and have babies, and die; the series is allegedly just a fictional post-college what-if arc in the Archie series, like another long dream sequence. But these are all rumors on the Internet, so fans are still awaiting official news from the creators of Archie.

Of course, there?s still the issue that Archie proposed to Veronica first, which means that Betty is demoted to playing second fiddle once more. But then again, all?s fair in love and war?even in a 68-year-old love triangle.

Email the author at biancaconsunji@yahoo.com